Wright angry at central contract plans

Last updated at 08:35 27 September 2005

Wasps owner Chris Wright has warned the Rugby Football Union their proposal for central contracts is unworkable - and he called on the "suits and blazers at Twickenham" to treat the clubs with more respect.

The RFU have placed central contracts for England's elite squad top of their wish-list as they wrestle to gain better control over the international players' management and welfare.

Central contracts have played a key role in the development of the England cricket team, but angrily dismissed the idea. "Central contracts are not even being discussed by the clubs. Cricket does not have a financially viable club or county game - rugby does," he said.

"I am not sure at this point in time whether Andy Robinson knows what his best 15 is going to be. So how can you decide weeks ahead who you are going to centrally contract?

"Look at the players we have developed. Mark Van Gisbergen is widely tipped to come into the England squad as full-back. How could you possibly centrally contract a 23-year-old electrician from Waikato, which is what he was when Wasps brought him over here?